Urban Indiana

INDOT issues call for 'Community Crossings' projects

The Indiana Department of Transportation is accepting applications for projects that could receive funding through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program. The $1.5 billion program provides grants to support local road and bridge projects statewide.

Grants are made available to cities, towns and counties based on population.

• Cities and towns with a population of fewer than 10,000 will receive funds using a 75/25 match.
• Cities and towns with a population of greater than 10,000 will receive funds using a 50/50 match.
• Counties with a population of fewer than 50,000 will receive funds using a 75/25 match.
• Counties with a population of greater than 50,000 will receive funds using a 50/50 match.

More below:
https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/indot-issues-call-for-community-crossings-projects

INDOT raises cap on Community Crossings infrastructure awards

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has raised the cap on its popular Community Crossings Matching Grant program from $1 million to $1.5 million.

Local government advocates say they're grateful for the award bump and program generally, but want to tweak how it's structured.

INDOT Spokeswoman Natalie Garrett said the higher cap is, for now, a pilot for 2024's two calls for projects. The first is due January 31.

"The increase is based on current and projected gas tax and (electric vehicle and) hybrid registration revenue that is earmarked for Community Crossings. INDOT will reassess the pilot program at the end of 2024," she told the Capital Chronicle via email.

More below:
https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/indot-raises-cap-on-community-crossings-infrastructure-awards

Indiana lawmakers pump brakes on proposal to raise speed limit

Hoosiers won't soon be zooming down their highways at a legal 75 miles per hour.

A House roads committee on Tuesday heard legislation that would boost the limit up from the current 70 miles per hour, but won't advance it — for now. It did, however, move long-sought legislation allowing jurors to know when someone in a car crash wasn't wearing a seat belt.

"We all know this isn't going to get a vote today, and that's okay," Rep. Ben Smaltz, R-Auburn, said of his House Bill 1308. "... I have carried issues that have taken me 10 years to get done the right way."

Smaltz said he wanted to start the conversation because Indiana's roads are in "excellent condition" thanks to recent funding increases.

He also said advancements in vehicle technology — made since Indiana raised the speed limit from 65 to 70 miles per hour in 2005 — have improved safety.

More below:
https://www.ibj.com/articles/indiana-lawmakers-pump-the-brakes-on-proposal-to-raise-speed-limit